The highly-anticipated five star Milaidhoo Island Maldives has opened its doors to guests, making waves as one of the most luxurious resort openings of the year. Perched on UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll region of the Maldives, this “barefood luxury” hotel is a perfectly relaxed way to spend your next memorable holiday.
A 30-minute seaplane flight from Male, the resort features 30 spacious over-water villas (800 square feet) and hidden amongst the tropical greenery are 20 serene villas on the beach (950 square feet). All villas have large private freshwater swimming pools and an island host to attend to the guests’ every whim.
Designed by local architect Mohamed Shafeeq, the resort’s 50 villas have been made using materials and fittings custom-made for Milaidhoo in a way that epitomizes the true contemporary Maldives style. Spacious outdoor living is the key phrase: the villas open up 180-degrees to allow the natural beauty of the Maldives to become part of the room.
Milaidhoo shows a commitment to offering authentic and meaningful experiences. First up is snorkeling with Santa for the holidays, followed by coffee tastings, latte art, a seminar about coffee, and lessons on how to make the perfect cup from former world champion barista Fritz Storm in January. In March, two Michelin-starred chef Tanja Grandits will host intimate dinners, cooking classes and more from the 4th to the 11th. Renowned for dishes that celebrate color, texture and spices, the internationally-renowned chef will also be available to book as a private chef in one’s villa.
Milaidhoo will offer its guests access to Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area, which attracts the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays in the world and is also one of the best places to go whale shark spotting in the Maldives. Perfect beaches, snorkeling on coral reefs, diving, water sports, fishing and cultural excursions to nearby islands and sandbanks also create stories that guests will want to tell forever.
Gourmets will feel at home at Milaidhoo with three restaurants and two bars. Shaped like a traditional wooden sailing boat used in the Maldives to travel the maritime spice routes, its signature restaurant, Ba’theli, sits on stilts over the lagoon and offers a modern interpretation of ‘island influenced’ cuisine. Cocktails are fresh, creative and on point while the wine list has been designed to pique the interest of wine lovers with a choice of much loved classics alongside a selection of wines from lesser-known boutique wine makers. All villas have their own wine fridge where guests can keep their personal favorites.
The island’s Serenity Spa consists of four treatment suites set on stilts over the lagoon where guests can also enjoy daily complimentary yoga and meditation classes on the custom-built pavilion. A range of treatments use only natural, organic and safe products, including British-based Elemis and TheraNaka from Africa.
Nightly rates start at $1,575 per night for two people in an over-water villa on half-board basis. We can’t wait to visit. 
